LANEIGE Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum — L'exfoliation douce quotidienne

This serum condensed combines two complementary technologies to reproduce the results of a professional treatment.

Aqua Glass Booster™ Complex (7.7% acids)Gluconolactone (PHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA) — three hydroxy acids at 7.7% to boost cell renewal without irritation. PHA, the gentlest, refines texture; glycolic acid stimulates deep collagen production; salicylic acid unclogs pores. A balance designed for daily exfoliation, even on sensitive skin.

Hydro Infusion Shot™Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid (PGA), Hydrolyzed DNA (PDRN), Ceramide NP — a cocktail of multi-molecular weight humectants. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid penetrates to the 10th stratum corneum layer; polyglutamic acid holds 5,000 times its weight in water; PDRN (salmon DNA) stimulates cell regeneration; ceramide NP seals the lipid barrier.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Inhibits melanin transfer for an even complexion, boosts endogenous ceramide synthesis, reduces sebum secretion.

Lactobacillus Ferment LysateSoothing postbiotic, modulates inflammatory response post-exfoliation and preserves the skin microbiome.

CaffeineVasoactive antioxidant, protects against UV free radicals and stimulates microcirculation for an instant glow.

☀️ Morning routine

1. After your usual toner, press the white button on the bottle to release 2-3 drops into your palm
2. Place one drop on each cheek and one on the forehead, spreading with upward massages
3. Gently tap to activate absorption
4. Wait 30 seconds before applying your moisturizer
5. SPF 30+ is mandatory (acids increase photosensitivity)

🌙 Evening routine

1. Same protocol as in the morning: 2-3 drops after the toner
2. If you’re new to acids: start with 2-3 nights per week, gradually increase
3. Compatible with retinol (but not the same night if your skin is reactive)
4. Seal with a rich cream like Water Bank Blue HA Cream to maximize the hydrating rebound effect

Technical note: The air pressure dispensing system may release a tiny drop on first opening — this is normal and won’t happen again.

Ideal for these skin types:

• Dehydrated skin with uneven texture — if your foundation clings, you have subcutaneous microcysts, and a dull complexion despite hydration
• Combination to oily skin seeking a non-greasy exfoliant — the watery texture absorbs without an occlusive film, regulates sebum with niacinamide
• Fans of minimalist layering — a single step combines exfoliation + hydration boost, saving time in the morning
• Sensitive skin accustomed to acids — hypoallergenic formula, dermatologically tested, but still a daily exfoliant (not for first-time users)
• Fans of LANEIGE Water Bank seeking a radiance boost — fits perfectly before Blue HA Cream or Gel Moisturizer

Avoid if:

• Skin with active lesions, eczema flare-ups, or severely compromised barrier
• Never used acids before (start with a PHA toner like LANEIGE Blue HA Exfoliating Toner)
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding without medical advice (exfoliating acids remain a debated topic)

Observable results according to the clinical timeline (study on 32 women):

Immediate (from the 1st application)+113% hydration boost measured by corneometry. Skin feels smoother to the touch, slight tightening effect from polyglutamic acid (natural film-former).

After 3 days of use+22% acceleration of cell renewal (vs. untreated area). 80% reduction in visible flakes. The complexion begins to reflect light differently — this is the famous "glass skin glow."

After 1 weekRefined texture, less dilated pores (thanks to BHA which unclogs), even complexion. Small post-imperfection irregularities fade.

After 4 weeks of daily useTransformed skin texture, strengthened skin barrier (TEWL measurement), prolonged water rebound. The epidermis regains its natural ability to retain water without relying solely on occlusive cosmetics.

Important: These benefits are maintained with continuous use. Sudden discontinuation may cause a slight temporary "rebound" dryness effect (while the skin readjusts its natural turnover).

What is the difference with the Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum?

The Blue HA Serum is a pure hydrating serum (without acids) with peptides and fermented Blue Hyaluronic Acid — perfect for deep hydration. The Aqua Facial combines gentle exfoliation (7.7% acids) AND hydration (Hydro Infusion Shot™). If your skin is just dehydrated without texture issues, go for the Blue HA. If you want a "post-facial" effect with refined texture + radiance, choose the Aqua Facial. You can even layer them: Aqua Facial in the morning, Blue HA in the evening for very dry skin.

Can I use it morning AND evening every day?

Yes, if your skin already tolerates daily acids. The 7.7% complex is formulated for twice-daily use. But if you’re new to acids: start with 2-3 evenings per week, observe (no tightness? no redness?), then gradually move to daily use. In the morning, SPF 30+ is mandatory because AHAs/BHAs increase photosensitivity.

Is it compatible with retinol or vitamin C?

With vitamin C: yes, apply vitamin C right after toner, let absorb for 1-2 minutes, then apply Aqua Facial. The serum’s pH (around 4) does not destabilize ascorbic acid. With retinol: yes, but not the same night if you’re starting out (risk of combined irritation). Alternate: Aqua Facial Monday/Wednesday/Friday evenings, retinol Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. Once your skin is used to it, you can try both on the same night (Aqua Facial first, wait 10 minutes, then retinol).

How long does the 30 ml bottle last?

With twice-daily use (2-3 drops × 2/day), expect about 6-8 weeks. The air pressure pump system prevents waste, unlike traditional droppers that can overdose.

Is it suitable for acne-prone skin under medical treatment?

BHA (salicylic acid) is excellent for acne, BUT if you are on oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) or strong topical tretinoin, consult your dermatologist first. The skin barrier is already weakened by these treatments, adding acids could cause over-exfoliation. However, for mild to moderate acne without heavy treatment, it’s a very good choice (niacinamide regulates sebum, BHA unclogs pores).

Texture and absorption: does it leave a sticky film?

No, it has a watery “water serum” texture, ultra-light. Absorbs in 20-30 seconds with no residue. You can apply your cream right after. Matte-velvety finish, not sticky or silicone-like at all. Ideal under makeup in the morning.

LANEIGE (pronounced "la-nèj," from the French "la neige") was born in 1994 under the impetus of Amorepacific, a South Korean giant that also manages Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, and Etude. The name evokes the crystalline purity of snow — a nod to the brand's founding obsession: the science of water applied to the skin.

For over 25 years, LANEIGE laboratories in Seoul have been exploring this unique path: how the epidermis captures, retains, and loses hydration. The result? Patents like Blue Hyaluronic Acid (hyaluronic acid fermented with deep-sea algae, microfiltered 10 times to reach 1/2000th the standard size), or Hydro Ionized Mineral Water extracted from green vegetables (kale, beetroot, watercress) infused in seawater.

The Water Bank line, launched in 2002 with the Essence and Water Sleeping Pack, laid the foundation for what is now called "glass skin." The Aqua Facial Serum (2024) is the logical evolution: to reproduce at home the effect of a Korean spa treatment — exfoliation + hydration injection — in a single daily step. Product formulated and manufactured at Amorepacific’s Beauty Park in Osan (Gyeonggi-do), a high-tech campus where advanced chemistry and traditional botanicals coexist.

Discover the entire LANEIGE range

Full INCI (according to official LANEIGE US sources):

Water/Aqua/Eau, Betaine, Gluconolactone (PHA), GlycerinButylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Glycereth-26, NiacinamideDimethyl Isosorbide, Tromethamine, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate1,2-Hexanediol, CaffeineDiethoxyethyl Succinate, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Dextrin, Propanediol, Pectin, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Salicylic Acid (BHA)Sodium Gluconate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid (AHA)Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Extract, Cyclodextrin, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidTremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Hyaluronic AcidSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Protease, Calcium Chloride, Ceramide NPGlutathione, Polyglutamic AcidSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed DNA (PDRN).

Key formulation points:

• Paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, phthalate-free, mineral oil-free, SLS/SLES sulfate-free, less than 1% synthetic fragrance
• Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free (Amorepacific cruelty-free since 2008)
• Formulated pH between 3.5-4 for optimal acid efficacy without irritation
• 44 ingredients total — dense but balanced formula, each active has a specific function (no unnecessary fillers)

The bolded actives are the pillars of exfoliating action (acids), hydrating (multi-weight HA), and repairing (ceramide, PDRN, postbiotics).